From ‘Dawn to Dusk’: The Wicker Story redefines everyday objects into sculptures

The principles of sustainability and zero-waste production transcend superficial trends, embodying a critical movement towards a more conscientious mode of existence in contemporary society. The modern practices and works such as Denmark-based Copenhagen Contemporary gallery which experiments with materials for creating a sustainable future; Wild Fibers furniture collection by French designer Aurélie Hoegy who delves into the endless possibilities of designing furniture with rattan; and Mexico-based CGN’s furniture and product design collection designed for ecosystems, aim at mitigating the ecological footprint by preserving the artistry and cultural heritage embedded in traditional crafts.

Hyderabad-based design studio, The Wicker Story, displays a similar commitment to sustainability through their latest furniture and product collection titled, Dawn to Dusk, which is bio-degradable and leaves minimal carbon footprint. Founded in the year 2019 by architect Priyanka Narula, the brand was conceived as an offshoot of the architecture and design practice, Prelab Design Studio. The Wicker Story envisions a blend of art, architecture and products at the “intersection of tradition and innovation, sustainability and elegance,” according to the studio.

Dawn to Dusk collection features variations in light, colour and mood to represent the transition from day to night and it pays homage to the transient moments of tranquillity at sunrise and sunset. The Sunset bench from the anthology takes centre stage in the studio’s seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with computational and parametric design methodologies. Designed with intricately woven rattan, in colours of the evening sky, the bench invites one to pause, reflect and immerse in the beauty of nature.

Complementing the collection, Along the river is a light art installation which is inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem The Brook, as per the Indian studio. The form of the chandelier embodies “the buoyancy of flowing water and the dance of sparkling sunlight on pebbles”. Along the river’s rhythmic and minimal design celebrates the studio’s vision of harmonising art and function.

In a previous conversation with STIR, Narula discussed the roots of her practice. “I think the base of the architectural practice feeds into The Wicker Story as a product design studio. It helps us envision solutions at a smaller, more tangible scale.” The design studio upholds and revitalises the long-established weaving process and contributes to the preservation of traditional crafts and livelihoods.

(Text by Simran Gandhi, intern at STIR)